As far as debut years go, Michael Conlan could barely have asked for much more.

Five fights, five convincing wins - including four stoppages - only helped swell Conlan's burgeoning reputation in the boxing world.

It was a stellar 2017 for the Top Rank star, which included a professional debut at Madison Square Garden Theater on St Patrick's Day - with UFC megastar Conor McGregor in his corner - and appearances on the undercards of Manny Pacquiao v Jeff Horn and Vasyl Lomachenko v Guillermo Rigondeaux.

Understated would be the last word you would use to describe the West Belfast featherweight's arrival in the paid ranks.

But if 2017 was a breakthrough year for the 26-year-old, then 2018 promises to be even bigger.

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"I had a lot of big nights in 2017, and I loved being in that position. Being under the spotlights on these massive bills.

"I am grateful for the opportunities that have been presented to me, and I want more.

"I think it was great experience for me. The more experience I have of these big events, and the more pressure there is, then that is good for me.

Conlan rounded off the year with a win over Luis Fernando Molina last month (Image: Getty)

"My debut couldn't have been any bigger. Headlining at Madison Square Garden, on St Patrick's Day, with Conor McGregor walking me in. That isn't normal for a pro debut, but I thrived under that pressure.

"That can only be good for me in the future. I am experiencing these big events and shows, and it won't be long before I am fighting for world titles and having the spotlight thrust upon me again."

High on Conlan's wish-list in 2018 is a homecoming show in Belfast.

And the Falls Road man is planning his big return this summer - with a date in May or June.

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And with boxing on such a massive high in the city, he is hoping to continue that feel-good factor.

"Fighting in Belfast would be huge for me. It would be so special," he added.

"Boxing is thriving in the city, and that's down to all the local fighters who have performed here over the past year or two and kept winning. They are putting bums on seats and generating that special atmosphere.

"So to come home and be part of that will be great, and I can't wait."